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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
Sports Shooter Academy VII is underway.
Crystal Chatham, Photographer, Assistant
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La Quinta | CA | USA | Posted: 12:16 AM on 04.10.10 |
->> We're editing down Day 2 of Sports Shooter Academy VII in Irvine, Calif. You can see Day 1 winners and follow along with what we're up to online at sportsshooteracademy.com and also on Twitter @ss_academy.
Day 2 shoots included surfing, track & field, tennis, and baseball. We'll see what SSA students have to share tonight; deadline is in an hour! |
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Dave Prelosky, Photographer
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Lower Burrell | Pa | US | Posted: 1:16 AM on 04.10.10 |
| ->> Have I been asleep, or has the contest judging gone off yet? |
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Daniel Berman, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Seattle | WA | US | Posted: 1:27 AM on 04.10.10 |
->> Dave,
They posted results to http://sportsshooteracademy.com
Keep the behind the scenes and funpix coming -- I love seeing 'em.
Daniel |
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Andrew Villa, Student/Intern, Assistant
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San Jose | CA | United States | Posted: 1:34 AM on 04.10.10 |
| ->> w00t! Love the pics so far! |
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Robert Hanashiro, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | | Posted: 10:37 AM on 04.10.10 |
->> Glad someone is getting sleep!
it's been some late nights for me, the faculty, staff and for the participants... nothing like a huge plate of chicken wings at 2AM this morning with Rod Mar, Matt Brown, Jordan Murph, Shawn Cullen and Ron Taniwaki!
THE coolest sports photography event of the year is going into the "stretch drive" ...
Today Jordan gives a presentation on working at the NCAA Men's Final Four ... there's boxing, softball, baseball, tennis water polo and rugby on the shooting schedule. By popular demand we're running another speedlight lighting class ... Wally Skally will be talking about the Vancouver Winter Olympics ...
Check out the workshop's website and Twitter for all of the action and behind-the-scenes!
MAHALO! |
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Daniel Putz, Photographer
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Owings Mills | MD | USA | Posted: 11:12 AM on 04.10.10 |
| ->> I'm surprised Matt made it to 2am. |
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Luke Johnson, Photographer, Student/Intern
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St.Petersburg | FL | USA | Posted: 3:28 PM on 04.10.10 |
| ->> Man, I really hope I can attend next year. |
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Robert Hanashiro, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | | Posted: 9:15 PM on 04.10.10 |
->> We just posted photos from day three of SSA VII at http://sportsshooteracademy.com
LOTS more content to come! We've been busy at all the events but we're getting caught up right now and more photos and content are on the way
Don't forget to follow the SSA Official Twitter feed at http://www.twitter.com/ss_academy
Aloha! |
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Octavian Cantilli, Photographer, Assistant
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Daniel Berman, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Seattle | WA | US | Posted: 10:48 PM on 04.10.10 |
| ->> That is some really nice work in the Friday gallery. Inspiring as ever! |
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William Guerro, Photographer
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Galloway | NJ | USA | Posted: 9:07 AM on 04.11.10 |
->> I have to agree with Daniel, they are some awesome pictures. I especially like the shot of the runner getting set to race the hurdles that was shot straight down the track through the hurdles. I have never seen that shot from a track meet before. NICE JOB!
Also the shot of the surfer getting slammed by the wave is a nice shot. It was cropped nice and tight on his face. I can feel his pain. SEE BERT I remembered crop TIGHT! LOL |
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Ryan Kelly, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Newport News | VA | USA | Posted: 1:42 AM on 04.12.10 |
| ->> Just got home a little while ago, exhausted for sure, but very happy with my experience at the academy. Great meeting and working with everybody, and thanks so much to the faculty, and to Nikon, for making it happen! |
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Adam Vogler, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Kansas City | Mo. | USA | Posted: 2:47 AM on 04.12.10 |
| ->> Just got home from another amazing week in SoCal. Words just can't convey the feelings. It is such a humbling feeling to have been a part of such an incredible bunch of people as the faculty and students at SSA VII. Saw some terrific photos over the past few days but the best part was being a part of that group of photographers from all over the world, all working together to make great images. Seeing old friends and making new ones. I feel so lucky to have been able to be a part of it. Nothing to say but wow. |
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Eugene P. Tanner, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Honolulu | HI | USA | Posted: 5:40 AM on 04.12.10 |
| ->> Wow! Awesome photos gang! Looks like many of the participants had a super SSA experience... Hat's off to the faculty too for another successful workshop... 8) |
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Robert Hanashiro, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | | Posted: 12:12 PM on 04.12.10 |
->> Lots of great experiences over the past 6 days ...
From our burger meet up on Tuesday night before The Academy tipped off all the way through a large group of students sitting around the second floor of the hotel until 5AM Sunday after it ended...
Good photography, good learning, good friends...
Mahalo!
(More later.) |
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Will Schneekloth, Student/Intern, Photographer
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New Brunswick | NJ | USA | Posted: 2:14 PM on 04.12.10 |
->> That was without a doubt the most incredible, emotionally trying, physically tiring, educational, and most importantly fun experience of my life... When can we do it again?!
Huge thanks to Bert, Matt Brown, Michael Goulding, Myung Chun, Rod Mar, John McDonough, Wally Skalij, Jordan Murph, Crustal Chatham, Shawn Cullen... EVERYONE on the staff who helped us all see better over the course of the week, and to Captain Ron and Mike Corrado from Nikon for putting up with students forgetting chargers and cases in their rooms when we tried to return loaner equipment.
Hopefully I'll be back in 2011 as a working pro! |
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Robert Hanashiro, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | | Posted: 7:43 PM on 04.12.10 |
->> We will be updating the SportsShooterAcademy.com web site over the next few days with fun photos and galleries from the days'shoots.
I will also have a few fun little behind-the-scenes videos I shot during the workshop that will be posted later in the week.
But we need to catch up on some sleep first! |
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Robert Hanashiro, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | | Posted: 7:45 PM on 04.12.10 |
->> I was at Samy's Camera today to have lunch with Mr. Louis Feldman ... and who did I see buying something in the camera dept. on the 3rd floor?
SSA VII alum Sabrina Schaeffer! |
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Shirley Pefley, Photographer
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Los Altos Hills | CA | USA | Posted: 10:36 PM on 04.12.10 |
| ->> Thank you, thank you, thank you to all the great people who made SSA VII happen. It was the most amazing experience and I can't even begin to fathom how much I learned. Listening to the critiques every evening was the best part of the day. The positive environment, the sharing and coaching, and the willingness of the staff and instructors to give so freely of their talent and expertise was beyond my wildest expectations. I will now dedicate myself to practicing what I learned from these amazing people. |
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David Welker, Photographer, Student/Intern
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Springfield | MO | USA | Posted: 12:19 AM on 04.13.10 |
->> From my Blog:
"It is 9:50 p.m. in Irvine as this year’s Sportsshooter Academy VII starts to slow down. Right now, the workroom in the Crowne Plaza Hotel- Irvine is buzzing as participants ingest, cull, edit, rename, and submit photos for the last Photo of the Day slideshow. It has become very apparent that fatigue is setting in, but sighs of reliefs are slowly being hear throughout the room. This week consisted of three very long, hard, and stressful days. However, it is because of these last few days, that a new generation is being rejuvenated. The workshop allowed participants to follow the academy’s motto “See Better, Shoot Better”.
For myself, I cannot say enough good things about my experience at the Sportshooter Academy. I have shot sports such as baseball, softball, track and field, and something that was new to me, surfing. The friendships made through a common bond of photography and the love of sports has made this workshop not just a workshop for those looking to improve, but it is also for those who desire relationships based on the bond of brotherhood. As photographers, we may be very protective about our ways, but in the words of Capt’n Ron Taniwaki, of Nikon, “We must be people first”. I can firmly say that I have gained some great friends in my life through the time spent with some of my fellow participants.
I would like to take this time to thank the Sportsshooter Academy faculty: Bert, Matt, John, Jordan, Rod, Sean, Myung, Crystal, Wally, Michael, and Shawn. You have no idea how beneficial this week has been. It is because of your guidance, suggestions,and critiques (which were harsh, but accompanied by ways to improve) that I can even remotely consider myself to be a better photographer overall. I wanted to thank you for taking this short week out of your busy schedules in order to better my fellow participants with an overall goal of breeding a generation of photographers who desire to see the story behind photos, as well as the reason for taking a photo. Thank you for the one-on-one time spent with all of us and sharing words of not only belief that we can make the spectacular shots, but with words of encouragement towards the work that we brought to the workroom. Thank you for your time spent with us out on the field and helping set up remotes, look for new angles, and give tips right there as we were shooting, it was invaluable.
To my fellow participants, it was a very humbling experience in spending this grueling week with you. We sweat, bled, and lost sleep together, but the images imprinted in our minds as memories of the time spent will always lie with me. I hope that you feel that you can always call on one another in times of need or encouragement. I look forward to seeing what you all take away from this time known as the Sportsshooter Academy. I hope that you don’t let the Academy experience be lost in the coming weeks of finals for students, and work for the working professionals. Let the memories be a fragrant reminder to the fun that we all had and I hope to see some of you back next year.
So as Sportsshooter Academy VII draws to a nearing close, may we be reminded that not only do our images last forever, but so do the memories of the experiences had in the past few days."
So with that being said, to Bert and the rest of the Faculty and staff, Thank you. |
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Jack Megaw, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Pittsburgh | PA | America | Posted: 4:51 AM on 04.13.10 |
->> I have (finally) completed my blog from my incredible week at SSA VII.
I once again have to thank the staff of SSA VII - you are all incredible photographers and even more importantly you are all incredible people. I'm not sure if you realize how much you have helped me in my photography as well as helped me as a person. I think I share this will all the other students from SSA VII. Again thank you so much and I hope to see and to work with you all in the future.
My blog can be found at www.jackmegawphotography.com
-Jack |
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Nicholas Pellico, Assistant, Photographer
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Santa Clarita | CA | United States | Posted: 2:56 PM on 04.13.10 |
->> I don't know if I can add much more to what has already been said but here it goes. The amount of knowledge the staff has, and more importantly is willing to pass on, is incredible. From their approach to shooting to workflow to critiques they flat out know their stuff.
Another amazing aspect is the variety of instructors who participate. While the entire staff is amazing, I was lucky enough to tag along with two instructors who work in areas that I really enjoy and/or want to learn more about. Matt Brown has a great niche market shooting local college sports. I think of all the photographers there, his was the business model I would most want to copy and he was more than willing to show me how to do it.
The other instructor I tagged along with (harassed with questions is probably a more accurate description) was Jordan Murph, assistant extraordinaire. His knowledge of remotes alone is enough to keep me learning for a year. And as mentioned before, both of these guys (and the entire staff for that matter) answered every question, helped with every detail and never once got frustrated.
Looking forward to it next year. Thanks again staff. |
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Steven Limentani, Photographer
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Charlotte | NC | United States | Posted: 4:20 PM on 04.13.10 |
->> As one of the old guys at the workshop I have had the opportunity to experience many things in life. From discussions with a few contacts I had been told how great SSA would be. Bert used the term "COOLEST." After my four days, I can honestly say that I have not found the correct adjective to describe SSA. Incredible, coolest, amazing, just do not capture it. Imagine being in a candy store without limits, no calories and no cost and maybe you get near the proper description. This is not hyperbole! Everyone who I spoke to while I was there was amazed by the environment and the opportunity.
For myself, a photograph will never look the same. Listening to the critiques both in the group session and individually has changed the way in which I view things. Crops, backgrounds all different. Composition remains daunting but a much improved understanding. The great action shot is a given, but compose it uniquely and you have a great photo. Lighting and remotes...wow. Ron even helped me to learn new uses of words that I cannot write on here (LOL). This all just scratches the surface.
At the end of the day, this would not have been possible without the efforts of all of the faculty. Bert's tireless effort to put this together and attention to detail is beyond description. Matt, Sean, Myung, Wally, John and all of the others again thank you! I am honored and humbled to have had the opportunity and hope to see you all again next year and sooner if our paths cross. |
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Jeannette Merten, Photographer
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Oshkosh | WI | USA | Posted: 4:44 PM on 04.13.10 |
->> I would like to make a public apology to those that didn't sleep well Friday night during the Academy. Some of you may remember hearing fire alarm around 1am? Aw shucks, it was just little ole me. Needed to make a trip to the car, didn't want to wait for the elevator, took the stairs down to the parking lot, pushed the door opened, and then read the sign "Do Not Open This Door".
I did tell the parking lot attendant about it, to have it shut off. Why it took so long, only God knows why.
From what I heard from others, guess it only affected certain floors because there was no alarm on my 3rd floor. It's too bad that it took a couple a hours to turn it off, like around 4am. I had a solid 5 hours of sleep that night. You must understand that I had to keep a straight face and keep quiet until the workshop was officially over. Didn't want that episode to sway anyone's judgment. You can all kill me now, if you can find me.
I bit off the subject, but anyways a big thank you to the instructors who took time advising and sharing their opinions at photo boot camp. These are lessons I will use from here on in. I'm very appreciative about the time they spared to make a contribution along with the sponsors that backs this educational event. It is obvious to see that it takes an enormous amount of planning to make it as successful as it is.
I wish my fellow mates well with all your future endeavors. |
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Rod Mar, Photographer
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Seattle | WA | USA | Posted: 10:58 AM on 04.15.10 |
->> Wanted to drop in to say what a great experience I had at Sports Shooter Academy.
Kudos to each and every one of the students who showed up ready to learn and followed through on their commitment to improve each and every day of the workshop.
As a faculty member, it's exciting to watch as things start to click (sure, pun intended) for students as they learn to capture better moments, clean up their backgrounds and become more critical editors.
Even more fun to watch is the camaraderie develop among the workshop participants as the week goes by. One of the great parts about this job is the friends and networks you create along the way. Years from now, the relationships forged during SSA will still exist. Those networks and relationships are why many of us jump at the chance to help Bert with his projects - we love the chance to come together, share stories and learn from one another. I would go anywhere for the chance to glean wisdom from pros like John McDonough, Matt Brown, Michael Goulding, Sean Haffey and Wally Skalij.
Cheers to Bert and Matt for all their hard work. Countless thanks to Ron Taniwaki, Mike Corrado and Bill Pekala of Nikon for their over-the-top support.
Thanks to each and every one of the faculty, staff and participants for making it a great learning opportunity for everyone involved. I can't wait for next year.
Rod |
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Long Nguyen, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Albuquerque | NM | USA | Posted: 1:10 PM on 04.15.10 |
->> As most people have herd the Coolest photography event of the year was this past week in Orange County. I didn’t know what to expect when I showed up for the workshop, but it turned out to be one of the coolest things I have ever experienced. I was able to learn and experience so much in such little time. Us learners were able to work with some of the best in the industry and what they had to teach us was priceless.
If anyone who has ever contemplated taking the class, I would say do it. It is worth every bit of money and time. What they can teach you in 4 days is more than what I would ever learn in a lifetime. And there is still more of knowledge to obtain.
What you put in to the academy is what you get out of it. Not only was I able to leave with loads of information, but also the best part was that I was able to leave with some new photography friends, Even one as far as England. I was also able to leave with new athlete friends from Long Beach State Track and Field team.
It has been a few days now since I have gotten back to Albuquerque and I still can’t stop think about SSA VII. I am still digesting everything from the four days but I wanted to say thank you to all the SSA staff for taking time out of their busy lives to help teach others. What they do is remarkable and I am privilege to be able to be part of SSA VII.
Thank you to:
- Matt Brown, Southern California-based freelance photographer
- Wally Skalij, Los Angeles Times
- Myung J. Chun, Los Angeles Times
- Michael Goulding, Orange County Register
- Rod Mar, Seattle-based freelance photographer (formerly of the Seattle Times)
- John McDonough, Sports Illustrated
- Sean Haffey, San Diego Union-Tribune
- Ronal Taniwaki, Nikon Professional Services
- Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
- Jordan Murph, Sports Illustrated
- Crystal Chatham, Palm Spring Desert Sun
- Shawn Cullen, Sports Illustrated
- Mike Corrado, NPS Manager-Product Marketing)
- William Pekala, Nikon Professional Services General Manager)
And Big Thank you to Nikon for their great support and even with the hard economic times they are able to help support students.
Cheers |
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Dennis Montgomery, Photographer, Assistant
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Ogden | UT | United States | Posted: 12:13 PM on 04.17.10 |
->> "The coolest sports photography event of the year." I have to admit I thought this might be a bit of overblown hype, but after having attended SSA VII, I found that it might be a bit understated, if anything.
We have all been to photo workshops and seminars before and we always manage to take something away from them. So what makes this one different? After thinking about this for the past week, I have to say its the instructors. The enthusiasim, expertise and their willingness to share their knowledge and experience with attendees is what makes SSA what it is. Their love of sports photography shines through everything they do and is "infectious".
They don't play "stump the dummy" to show you how much they know and you don't. They don't belittle your photos to show you their superiority. What they do is to show you how to rethink your approach to sports photography--different shooting angles, taking advantage of both available light and speedlites to make your photos standout from the pack, and making what might be a good photo into a great photo by taking the time to think it through rather than merely pressing "the button" at the right time.
Thanks to every instructor for their time and sharing their knowledge with us. Everyone was great and its difficult to single anyone out without leaving something unsaid about someone else, but Robert Hanashiro and Matt Brown deserve a special thanks for what they have done to make SSA what it is.
The word "tiredless" does not begin to describe what they do. Its difficult to imagine what they must do to setup SSA and to keep it running smoothly, yet continue their day-to-day jobs as professional photographers. With all this going on, they somehow manage to retain their highly developed senses of humor(I think this is a mandatory requirement to be a successful sports photographer) and act as full-time instructors in SSA. Simply two unbelievable guys who we all owe a special debt of gratitude, whether you attended SSA or not.
The "coolest"? Depends on your definition of cool, but its certainly the GREATEST sports photography event of its kind today! |
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Dennis Montgomery, Photographer, Assistant
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Ogden | UT | United States | Posted: 12:18 PM on 04.17.10 |
| ->> Make that word "tiredless" in my above posting "tireless" instead. My proofreading sometimes leads me to create new words...sorry about that. |
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Steven Limentani, Photographer
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Charlotte | NC | United States | Posted: 11:19 AM on 04.20.10 |
| ->> The benefits of Sports Shooter Academy are many. I left with a long list of "to dos." After Bert's portrait class I added lighting equipment including dynalites to my list of must haves. Yesterday I called and spoke to Jim Morton at dynalite. To my surprise I learned that with proof of SSA involvement I was eligible for a student discount. My dynalites are on the way! Not only was SSA VII "the coolest" but it is also saving me money. |
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Nate Ryan, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Northfield | MN | | Posted: 9:20 PM on 04.20.10 |
->> I am only now starting to realize all that I learned at Sports Shooter Academy. Now that I've been back at school shooting for the last week I can begin see the influence of all the minor little suggestions I received and how much they have influenced my work.
A huge thank you to all the instructors and the guys from Nikon. It was an amazing experience, and I am still figuring out everything I got out of the event. |
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Robert Hanashiro, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | | Posted: 12:58 PM on 04.21.10 |
->> Steven --- Thanks for letting the SSA VII alums know about that Dyna-Lite student discount!
I had a lot of interest in Dyna-Lite gear after my portrait class at the Academy. Jim and Peter over at D-L have always been great to work with.
Thanks for all of the nice comments about the workshop ... and of its affect on the participants.
I know I speak for the workshop faculty and staff when I say "MAHALO!" |
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Robert Hanashiro, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | | Posted: 5:09 PM on 04.23.10 |
->> Check out the SSA VII class photo just posted on the workshop website:
http://sportsshooteracademy.com/
Keep your eye on this site for more cool content for the workshop ... and for news on some upcoming projects! |
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